Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District
Station Gossip
Ramona almost had Engine 701 traded for a Hostess bread truck at the gas station the other day. She wasn’t able to make the trade however, she did get some ho hos. Hey, is that how we got our old bread truck?Lights out at Station Two had a new meaning on the 7th. Looks like the baby count is back on with 2. Any more?When I was watching a video I shot recently, the picture turns 90 degrees. Whoops. I use my camera so much and am always turning it sideways to get that tall picture. I guess I wasn’t thinking you can’t do the same with a video camera. :)Ask Randy about the surprise he got when he was called to his daughter’s house for supper to meet an out of town visitor!
SayingsTeach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for the rest of his life. Teach a man to phish and he’ll clean out your bank account.Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you’ll be a mile away and you’ll have their shoes.Optimists think the glass is half full. Pessimists think the glass is half empty. Realists know that someone will have to wash the glass.Everyone is gifted. Some open the package sooner.When the blind leadeth the blind, get out of the way.Whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door.
•
•••
•
•
•
•
•••
Postage
Harlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com
July 2009 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost
Anhydrous Ammonia LeakSee page 3
Train DerailsSee page 2
The Last Greenlee Farm Barn Burns Photo by Sheryl Drost
Our new Officer Hydrant locator?
Seriously!What’s Missing - Can you find all 10?
From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin
Congratulations to Bob Stark who was promoted to acting Lieutenant at Station Three. Thank you to everyone who applied for the position. We all play important roles on and within the fire department. I have the utmost confidence in Bob’s ability and know that he is capable of doing the job.
I responded to the train derailment this past month in Cherry Valley. It was an eye opening experience.
I gained invaluable knowledge from being involved on a small scale. I arrived on the scene at Cherry Vale Mall at 2145 Hours and worked with the Chief from Stillman Valley on staging incoming personnel and equipment. From that vantage point, all we saw was a continuous glow in the sky. We sent a group of units led by a Beloit Fire Chief to evacuate a subdivision and began moving some units to a closer staging area. At approximately 0230 Hours, I was requested to go to the South division of the incident to replace the Chief Officer. I stayed there and oversaw the operation in that division until I left the scene at 1330 Hours.
Our truck that responded was staged at Sandy Hollow and Mulford. Their assignment was to maintain unmanned master streams on tank cars that were not burning.
To witness the coordination of resources and to listen to the planning was phenomenal. We as Chiefs attend classes on how to operate an incident of this magnitude, but it is not the same as being involved in one. I salute the Chief of Cherry Valley and everyone involved. It truly was a coordinated team effort from the entire area. It is real assuring to see how so many different agencies can unite and mitigate an incident of this magnitude.
I recently returned from the Annual Illinois Fire Protection Districts Meeting in Peoria. Asst. Chief Ken O’Dell, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger, & Jim Burdick, our Attorney Nate Noble, and I all attended. This show is geared for chiefs, trustees and lawyers with many events, classes, and seminars for each.
Our trustees attended the 3-part Advanced Trustee Training Program. The program curriculum covers organization and administration, finances, procurement and legal liability, personnel and human resources. The rest of us took advantage of other classes and seminars offered.
These types of events help us to stay on top and bring the best back to you. The trustees and attorney took time away from their job’s and personal schedule. A big Thank You for their commitment to further their knowledge to better serve our district.
Please check out our website www.harlemroscoefire.com to keep up with the progress of the department and individuals. As always don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” Sandra Day O’Connor
•
Train DerailmentPhotos by Chief Don Shoevlin and a local photographer Buzz Carlson
Cherry Valley Fire called for mutual aid for a train derailment on Mulford Road in Rockford on June 19. A train with tanker cars derailed, exploded, and many caught fire. There was one fatality and several injuries. A local newspaper at www.rrstar.com has all the details of the accident.
The MABAS Box Alarm pulled called for Harlem-Roscoe Fire to send one engine and a Chief. Our engine company responded around 9pm and was on scene until early the next morning. Chief Don Shoevlin also responded.
Firefighters could only stand by as the tanker cars carrying Ethynol burn.
The tanker cars continued to burn for most of the night
Sadly, a passenger in the vehicle above was killed
The tanker cars burned into the next morning.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
NorthPointe Safety Days SnapshotsPhotos by Sheryl Drost
Quint 753 and the smoke house were on scene at NorthPointe for their Safety Days.
Captain Tim Bergeron helps a child escape through the window of the smoke house.
Firefighter Steve Shoevlin poses with a future firefighter sitting in the Quint.
Regina Brett’s 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.5. Pay off your credit cards every month.6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.24. The most important sex organ is the brain.25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”27. Always choose life.28. Forgive everyone everything.29. What other people think of you is none of your business.30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.33. Believe in miracles.34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.45. The best is yet to come.46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.49. Yield.50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
Porch FirePhoto by Chief Shoevlin
A small fire on the porch of a home on Baldwin Drive was extinguished before firefighters arrived on June 10.
Lightning StrikePhoto by Sheryl Drost
Firefighters laddered the garage roof to check out where lightning had struck a home on Bowen Parkway on June 19.
Smoke InvestigationPhoto by Sheryl Drost
Firefighters Chris Kaiser and Zak Prielipp head back to the truck after finding no fire on Reimer Drive on June 21. It seems the resident had gotten a new oven and had just forgotten to take out some papers in the oven before using it.
Drill Night Training SnapshotsPhoto by Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms
June 23 - Live Burn @ Greenlee Farm
July 7 - Water Supply Training
Leaking Anhydrous AmmoniaStory & photos by Sheryl Drost
Around 5am on June 26, Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters were able to successfully stop a leaking anhydrous ammonia tank in a farmer’s field off Prairie Hill Road. HRFD officers coordinated on scene with ESDA, reps from Delong (owners of the tank), and a Winnebago County Sheriff’sOfficer. The decision was made to send a fully-geared firefighter up to the tank to see if the leaking valve could be closed.
Gas could be seen leaking from an anhydrous ammonia tank when units arrived. Prairie Hill Road was quickly shut down and a nearby resident checked; the home was determined to be at a safe distance from the leak.
A Winnebago Sheriff Officer, HRFD DC John Bergeron, Captain Mike Drost and ESDA Chief Dennis Lolli work together in establishing a plan of action after talking to the owners of the tank.
The deck gun on the attack engine was used to spray water to help stop the leaking gas from spreading.
Firefighter Mark Soppe engineers the attack engine.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
Firefighters used two hose lines to protect firefighter Mickey Rykowski as he approached the tank and sucessfully stopped the leak on the tank.
BirthdaysJuly1st John Bergeron 7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg16th John Morgan17th Mark Schafman18th William Null19th Gina Kaiser21st Tim Bergeron27th Doug Wolfe
August7th Tom Lake9th Jeff Morris10th John Heins11th Rico VanderHeyden14th Tim Schrader22nd Brad Knipp25th Dona Zopp26th Bob Clark27th Mike Sherbon28th Tom Person Keith Lincoln
August Breakfast List
Ryan Alms & the HRFD Auxiliary
Total Calls for 20091141
Volume 14, Issue 7The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.
Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor, Layout, Writer, Photo - Sheryl Drost
The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month.
www.harlemroscoefire.comEmail submissions to: [email protected]
Fatal Crash Severs Utility PoleStory & Photo by Sheryl Drost
Over 2600 residents and businesses were without power for several hours after a fatal crash on the frontage road of Hwy 251 just north of Hwy 173 around 1:00 am on July 7. A driver of a Volkswagon Passat lost control and crashed into, and severed, a utility pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Com Ed workers arrived very quickly on scene and took care of any electrical issues.
The utily pole was snapped in two after the car crashed into it.
The car was wrapped around what was left of the utility pole.
Com Ed crews were quickly on scene and secured the broken utility pole.
Firefighter Brandon Tietz places a wooden wedge to help secure the vehicle. Several different extrication tools would be used to extricate the driver.
Firefighter Mike huffman uses a recipricating saw on the roof of the car.
Firefighter Shannon Burbach uses a cutter as Zak Prielipp secures the ladder.
Firefighters Zak Prielipp and Shannon Burbach look on as Rob Lukowski uses a chisel on the car.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
HawksPointe Subdivision 4th of July Kiddy Parade
2nd Annual Roscoe 4th of July Parade
Stepping Stones Day Care’s summer campers tour Station One on July 9.
Deputy Chief John Presley and retired Chief Oscar Presley gave a tour of Station One to the 1st Congregational Church men’s group on July 1.
Community Photos by Sheryl Drost
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
Accidents Photos by Photographers Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms
06/20/09 Hwy 251 and Hwy 173
06/13/09 McDonald Road near Sage Hen 06/14/09 5005 Hononegah Road
07/01/09 McCurry Road & North Gate Rd. 07/04/09 Hwy 251 East Frontage Road & Tall Pines
06/20/09 Hwy 251 West Frontage Road & Glen Forest 06/30/09 Hwy 251 & Forest Hills Road
07/05/09 I-90 just South of the Toll Plaza 07/05/09 Elevator Road
“Side by Side” Burn DemonstrationBy Deputy Chief John Presley
Harlem-Roscoe Fire held a sprinkler demonstration for the local public officials on June 16. Representatives were in attendance from Winnebago County, Harlem Township, and the Village of Roscoe. First, there was a short introduction and explanation of the night’s events by Chief Don Shoevlin followed by the Marble Mountain demonstration video from Orange County, California. The crowd then was gathered to watch the “Side by Side” demonstration.
The room without a sprinkler was set ablaze first. As the fire intensified the smoke alarm sounded within 30 seconds, but the fire continued to grow. At two minutes into the burn the temperatures were over 500 degrees at four feet off the floor and 1000 degrees at the six foot level. The smoke alarm quickly was melted away. An un-survivable flashover occurred at three minutes. It consumed the chair, window, rocking horse, ottoman, and console television. The elapsed time was approximately 4 minutes that this room was completely destroyed.
The room with a sprinkler was set ablaze next. The smoke alarm sounded within 30 seconds as the fire raced up the wall. With heat temperatures in excess of 150 degrees, the sprinkler was activated. So, in less than 2 minutes the fire was extinguished. Minimal damage was noted inside this room with damage most notable to the curtain, garbage can and scorching of the wall.
Cost of repair was considerably less in the room with a sprinkler than in the room without a sprinkler. After the last burn, the dignitaries were allowed to walk through each of the rooms to inspect the damage and then a question and answer period was held.
There was a flashover in the room without a sprinkler and the fire had to be extinguished by firefighters.
The sprinkler in the second room was activated as the fire climbed the wall; extinguishing the fire.
The room without a sprinkler was destroyed, wheras the room with a sprinkler had repairable damage.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
Be water-savvy. In 2005, males were four times more likely than females to die from unintentional drownings in the United States. Alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
Tips:Learn how to swim. Never swim alone. Wear your life jacket while boating. Avoid alcoholic beverages while boating. Watch children in and around water. If you have a swimming pool at your home, install a four-sided isolation pool fence.
Summer Fruits And VeggiesSummer is a great time to enjoy everything the season has to offer, including an abundance of fresh, tasty produce at its peak!
As part of a nutritious, seasonal dinner, try cutting up and grilling fresh peppers, sweet onions, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and more. For dessert, follow up with a fresh fruit salad of melon, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, cherries, and other fruits. The vibrant colors will liven up your meal, and the appealing flavors and aromas will tantalize your taste buds!
Why Fruits and Vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that are important for good health. Compared to people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts — as part of a healthy diet — are likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. These diseases include stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and perhaps heart disease and high blood pressure. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, so substituting them for high-calorie foods can be a calorie-reducing strategy
Camping-Protect Against CO Poisoning Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can cause illness or death in people and pets. Never use fuel-burning equipment such as gas stoves, heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter. It can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up. When using fuel-burning devices outdoors, do not vent the exhaust into enclosed shelters. Rather than relying on fuel-burn-ing appliances to supply heat, campers should bring adequate bedding and clothing and should consume extra calories and fluids during the outing to prevent hypothermia (a dangerous loss of body warmth that can cause death).
Seniors in HeatThe following article is from: http://www.egyptianaaa.org
I knew there was a problem the moment I stepped into the house. It was one of those stunningly hot Illinois summer days, and the house was absolutely stifling. The house belonged to “Nellie,” one of the senior citizens that I helped periodically in my position as a social service worker for a county senior citizen agency.
Nellie was in her seventies, and had some health problems, including an eye condition which severely affected her vision. She spent her money cautiously, but she had enough resources to maintain herself comfortably, and she did have a window air conditioner. My experience with Nellie up to that time told me that although she had some limits in her functional abilities, her mind was quite clear. She knew what she needed, and knew how to go about getting her needs met.
On this day, however, Nellie was uncharacteristically vague. She knew it was hot. She knew her air conditioner was not working. But her only plan to meet this emergency was to wait for her son from Wisconsin to visit her. She thought he might visit that weekend. She seemed to be in a heat induced “daze,” which was impairing her judgment and ability to understand that she was in a dangerous situation.
Fortunately, she accepted my help in this situation. The son was called, the air conditioner was repaired, and Nellie recovered. She once again was the “take charge” Nellie I had come to know.
The situation scared me, and even though that was years ago, I have never forgotten the effect that excessive heat can have. There are older people in Illinois who have survived many a summer without air conditioning, but to do so requires that they be “heat smart.” That means taking special precautions against the heat.
The National Institute on Aging has some tips for dealing with the heatStay out of direct sunlight, and avoid strenuous activities. Wear lightweight light colored loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate. Drink plenty of liquids such as water or fruit and vegetable juices to replace fluids lost by perspiring. Avoid alcohol and beverages that have too much salt, since salt
can complicate medical problems. Do not use salt tablets unless advised to do so by your doctor. Take frequent cool baths or showers; place cool wet towels on the body. Above all, take the heat seriously, and don’t ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness and fatigue; seek medical help at once. Even those who are accustomed to the heat may find that advancing years and the effects of medical conditions can lessen their ability to cope. Anyone who does not have air conditioning should make alternative plans for when the heat gets to be too much. A visit at a friend’s or relative’s house for a few hours or for a day or two in the hottest weather may be the simplest alternative.
Other alternatives could include:
Visiting an air conditioned store or mall; Visiting the local public library – not only relief from the heat, but a good time to catch up on magazines or books; Spending part of the day at the local senior center, and having lunch there; and Keeping in touch with friends and relatives, so that they will be available to help if needed.
If you have a senior friend or relative who does not have air conditioning, check with them often, and be prepared to offer whatever alternatives they might accept. Even a drive in an air conditioned car and a lunch or snack at a fast food place might be a welcome break. For some, a few hours a day in air conditioning can mean the difference between staying well and becoming ill from the heat. Don’t overlook seniors with medical conditions who may have difficulty leaving home; it is especially important to check on them regularly.
••
•
•
•••
•
Handling Summer Heat For People With Diabeteshttp://www.joslin.org
The heat being experienced in many parts of the nation these days is tough enough for the average healthy person, but for the estimated 21 million Americans with diabetes, special precautions may be required, according to experts at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it, says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic.
Carver and her colleagues at Joslin Clinic offer the following tips for people with diabetes during these steamy summer days:
Keep hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. When blood glucose is elevated, this can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine. To prevent dehydration drink plently of caffeine-free fluids such as water, seltzer, sugar-free drinks like iced tea, and lemonade. Limit your intake of alcohol. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat; and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks (based on your healthcare provider’s instructions) and seek medical attention. Exercise in a cool place such as an air-conditioned gym, or early in the morning or later in the evening.Check blood glucose levels at least four times a day, and more often if you are not feeling well. Remember that heat can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. Carry plenty of water and snacks. Store your blood glucose meter, strips and insulin in a cool, dry place. Do not store insulin in extreme temperatures. Never store insulin in the freezer, direct sunlight or in the car or in the glove compartment of the car. Examine your vial of insulin. Clear insulin (Regular, Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, Lantus, Levimir) should remain clear. NPH insulin should not have any clumping or ‘frosting’ on the vials.
•
•
•
•
•
Bee, Wasp and Hornet Stings Illinois Department of Public Health
For most people, a sting from a member of the Hymenoptera order (for example, bees, wasps, hornets, ants, etc.) usually results in nothing more than a painful swelling that disappears in a matter of hours. However, some people suffer allergic reactions to these kinds of stings. Symptoms of allergic reactions include dizziness, headaches, abdominal cramps or extreme nausea.
Other warning signs of an allergic reaction include breathing difficulties and hives or swelling in an area of the body other than where the sting occurred. The first allergic reaction is usually not severe, but should serve as a warning. The first sting sensitizes the victim, and additional stings result in increasingly severe reactions. Consult a physician the first time an allergic reaction occurs. If you are seriously allergic, your doctor may advise desensitization or that you carry a special kit containing emergency medicines to combat the allergic reaction.
If the stinger remains in the skin, remove it by gently scraping away or by gently teasing it out with a clean pointed instrument. Do not squeeze; this may inject more venom into the skin. Thoroughly wash Hymenoptera stings, and all insect bites, with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic anti-inflammatory ointment or cream, or a paste made of baking soda and water, to relieve itching and to prevent infection. If more serious symptoms occur, especially those indicating an allergic reaction, seek medical attention promptly.
Whether or not you are allergic to Hymenoptera stings, they are unpleasant and an experience to avoid. Follow these tips to discourage the attention of bees, wasps and hornets:
Avoid scented products such as perfume, hair spray, suntan lotion, cosmetics, deodorant, shaving lotion, etc. Do not wear brightly colored and patterned clothes. Do not go barefoot, especially through vegetation. Do not swat at bees and yellow jackets with bare hands. Move slowly and steadily, and gently brush the insects off. Do not sit on or handle wet towels, washcloths, etc., without first making sure no insect is drinking the moisture. When a bee or a wasp gets into a moving car, remain calm; safely pull the car off the road, open the window and allow it to escape. Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers. Hypersensitive persons should wear a bracelet or necklace or carry a medical alert card indicating they are susceptible to shock-like symptoms or unconsciousness after a bee sting. Insect repellants used to repel mosquitoes will not repel wasps and bees. Use a bee catcher with a sugary liquid in it such as Mountain Dew.Finally, be watchful when cooking, eating, and drinking outdoors, especially during yellow jacket season, which heightens in late summer. Check for insects on food and in open drink containers before eating and drinking. Keep food covered.
•
•••
•
•
••
•••
Surviving the Summer
Protect Pets From Summer Scorchers Cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Farenheit on even a mild sunny day. If your pet lives outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet. The bowl should be placed in a shaded area where it cannot be heated by the sun.Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress.And, keep your pet well-groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool the animal.
•
•
•
•
•
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
Be water-savvy. In 2005, males were four times more likely than females to die from unintentional drownings in the United States. Alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
Tips:Learn how to swim. Never swim alone. Wear your life jacket while boating. Avoid alcoholic beverages while boating. Watch children in and around water. If you have a swimming pool at your home, install a four-sided isolation pool fence.
Summer Fruits And VeggiesSummer is a great time to enjoy everything the season has to offer, including an abundance of fresh, tasty produce at its peak!
As part of a nutritious, seasonal dinner, try cutting up and grilling fresh peppers, sweet onions, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and more. For dessert, follow up with a fresh fruit salad of melon, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, cherries, and other fruits. The vibrant colors will liven up your meal, and the appealing flavors and aromas will tantalize your taste buds!
Why Fruits and Vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that are important for good health. Compared to people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts — as part of a healthy diet — are likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. These diseases include stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and perhaps heart disease and high blood pressure. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, so substituting them for high-calorie foods can be a calorie-reducing strategy
Camping-Protect Against CO Poisoning Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can cause illness or death in people and pets. Never use fuel-burning equipment such as gas stoves, heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter. It can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up. When using fuel-burning devices outdoors, do not vent the exhaust into enclosed shelters. Rather than relying on fuel-burn-ing appliances to supply heat, campers should bring adequate bedding and clothing and should consume extra calories and fluids during the outing to prevent hypothermia (a dangerous loss of body warmth that can cause death).
Seniors in HeatThe following article is from: http://www.egyptianaaa.org
I knew there was a problem the moment I stepped into the house. It was one of those stunningly hot Illinois summer days, and the house was absolutely stifling. The house belonged to “Nellie,” one of the senior citizens that I helped periodically in my position as a social service worker for a county senior citizen agency.
Nellie was in her seventies, and had some health problems, including an eye condition which severely affected her vision. She spent her money cautiously, but she had enough resources to maintain herself comfortably, and she did have a window air conditioner. My experience with Nellie up to that time told me that although she had some limits in her functional abilities, her mind was quite clear. She knew what she needed, and knew how to go about getting her needs met.
On this day, however, Nellie was uncharacteristically vague. She knew it was hot. She knew her air conditioner was not working. But her only plan to meet this emergency was to wait for her son from Wisconsin to visit her. She thought he might visit that weekend. She seemed to be in a heat induced “daze,” which was impairing her judgment and ability to understand that she was in a dangerous situation.
Fortunately, she accepted my help in this situation. The son was called, the air conditioner was repaired, and Nellie recovered. She once again was the “take charge” Nellie I had come to know.
The situation scared me, and even though that was years ago, I have never forgotten the effect that excessive heat can have. There are older people in Illinois who have survived many a summer without air conditioning, but to do so requires that they be “heat smart.” That means taking special precautions against the heat.
The National Institute on Aging has some tips for dealing with the heatStay out of direct sunlight, and avoid strenuous activities. Wear lightweight light colored loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate. Drink plenty of liquids such as water or fruit and vegetable juices to replace fluids lost by perspiring. Avoid alcohol and beverages that have too much salt, since salt
can complicate medical problems. Do not use salt tablets unless advised to do so by your doctor. Take frequent cool baths or showers; place cool wet towels on the body. Above all, take the heat seriously, and don’t ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness and fatigue; seek medical help at once. Even those who are accustomed to the heat may find that advancing years and the effects of medical conditions can lessen their ability to cope. Anyone who does not have air conditioning should make alternative plans for when the heat gets to be too much. A visit at a friend’s or relative’s house for a few hours or for a day or two in the hottest weather may be the simplest alternative.
Other alternatives could include:
Visiting an air conditioned store or mall; Visiting the local public library – not only relief from the heat, but a good time to catch up on magazines or books; Spending part of the day at the local senior center, and having lunch there; and Keeping in touch with friends and relatives, so that they will be available to help if needed.
If you have a senior friend or relative who does not have air conditioning, check with them often, and be prepared to offer whatever alternatives they might accept. Even a drive in an air conditioned car and a lunch or snack at a fast food place might be a welcome break. For some, a few hours a day in air conditioning can mean the difference between staying well and becoming ill from the heat. Don’t overlook seniors with medical conditions who may have difficulty leaving home; it is especially important to check on them regularly.
••
•
•
•••
•
Handling Summer Heat For People With Diabeteshttp://www.joslin.org
The heat being experienced in many parts of the nation these days is tough enough for the average healthy person, but for the estimated 21 million Americans with diabetes, special precautions may be required, according to experts at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it, says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic.
Carver and her colleagues at Joslin Clinic offer the following tips for people with diabetes during these steamy summer days:
Keep hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. When blood glucose is elevated, this can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine. To prevent dehydration drink plently of caffeine-free fluids such as water, seltzer, sugar-free drinks like iced tea, and lemonade. Limit your intake of alcohol. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat; and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks (based on your healthcare provider’s instructions) and seek medical attention. Exercise in a cool place such as an air-conditioned gym, or early in the morning or later in the evening.Check blood glucose levels at least four times a day, and more often if you are not feeling well. Remember that heat can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. Carry plenty of water and snacks. Store your blood glucose meter, strips and insulin in a cool, dry place. Do not store insulin in extreme temperatures. Never store insulin in the freezer, direct sunlight or in the car or in the glove compartment of the car. Examine your vial of insulin. Clear insulin (Regular, Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, Lantus, Levimir) should remain clear. NPH insulin should not have any clumping or ‘frosting’ on the vials.
•
•
•
•
•
Bee, Wasp and Hornet Stings Illinois Department of Public Health
For most people, a sting from a member of the Hymenoptera order (for example, bees, wasps, hornets, ants, etc.) usually results in nothing more than a painful swelling that disappears in a matter of hours. However, some people suffer allergic reactions to these kinds of stings. Symptoms of allergic reactions include dizziness, headaches, abdominal cramps or extreme nausea.
Other warning signs of an allergic reaction include breathing difficulties and hives or swelling in an area of the body other than where the sting occurred. The first allergic reaction is usually not severe, but should serve as a warning. The first sting sensitizes the victim, and additional stings result in increasingly severe reactions. Consult a physician the first time an allergic reaction occurs. If you are seriously allergic, your doctor may advise desensitization or that you carry a special kit containing emergency medicines to combat the allergic reaction.
If the stinger remains in the skin, remove it by gently scraping away or by gently teasing it out with a clean pointed instrument. Do not squeeze; this may inject more venom into the skin. Thoroughly wash Hymenoptera stings, and all insect bites, with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic anti-inflammatory ointment or cream, or a paste made of baking soda and water, to relieve itching and to prevent infection. If more serious symptoms occur, especially those indicating an allergic reaction, seek medical attention promptly.
Whether or not you are allergic to Hymenoptera stings, they are unpleasant and an experience to avoid. Follow these tips to discourage the attention of bees, wasps and hornets:
Avoid scented products such as perfume, hair spray, suntan lotion, cosmetics, deodorant, shaving lotion, etc. Do not wear brightly colored and patterned clothes. Do not go barefoot, especially through vegetation. Do not swat at bees and yellow jackets with bare hands. Move slowly and steadily, and gently brush the insects off. Do not sit on or handle wet towels, washcloths, etc., without first making sure no insect is drinking the moisture. When a bee or a wasp gets into a moving car, remain calm; safely pull the car off the road, open the window and allow it to escape. Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers. Hypersensitive persons should wear a bracelet or necklace or carry a medical alert card indicating they are susceptible to shock-like symptoms or unconsciousness after a bee sting. Insect repellants used to repel mosquitoes will not repel wasps and bees. Use a bee catcher with a sugary liquid in it such as Mountain Dew.Finally, be watchful when cooking, eating, and drinking outdoors, especially during yellow jacket season, which heightens in late summer. Check for insects on food and in open drink containers before eating and drinking. Keep food covered.
•
•••
•
•
••
•••
Surviving the Summer
Protect Pets From Summer Scorchers Cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Farenheit on even a mild sunny day. If your pet lives outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet. The bowl should be placed in a shaded area where it cannot be heated by the sun.Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress.And, keep your pet well-groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool the animal.
•
•
•
•
•
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
Accidents Photos by Photographers Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms
06/20/09 Hwy 251 and Hwy 173
06/13/09 McDonald Road near Sage Hen 06/14/09 5005 Hononegah Road
07/01/09 McCurry Road & North Gate Rd. 07/04/09 Hwy 251 East Frontage Road & Tall Pines
06/20/09 Hwy 251 West Frontage Road & Glen Forest 06/30/09 Hwy 251 & Forest Hills Road
07/05/09 I-90 just South of the Toll Plaza 07/05/09 Elevator Road
“Side by Side” Burn DemonstrationBy Deputy Chief John Presley
Harlem-Roscoe Fire held a sprinkler demonstration for the local public officials on June 16. Representatives were in attendance from Winnebago County, Harlem Township, and the Village of Roscoe. First, there was a short introduction and explanation of the night’s events by Chief Don Shoevlin followed by the Marble Mountain demonstration video from Orange County, California. The crowd then was gathered to watch the “Side by Side” demonstration.
The room without a sprinkler was set ablaze first. As the fire intensified the smoke alarm sounded within 30 seconds, but the fire continued to grow. At two minutes into the burn the temperatures were over 500 degrees at four feet off the floor and 1000 degrees at the six foot level. The smoke alarm quickly was melted away. An un-survivable flashover occurred at three minutes. It consumed the chair, window, rocking horse, ottoman, and console television. The elapsed time was approximately 4 minutes that this room was completely destroyed.
The room with a sprinkler was set ablaze next. The smoke alarm sounded within 30 seconds as the fire raced up the wall. With heat temperatures in excess of 150 degrees, the sprinkler was activated. So, in less than 2 minutes the fire was extinguished. Minimal damage was noted inside this room with damage most notable to the curtain, garbage can and scorching of the wall.
Cost of repair was considerably less in the room with a sprinkler than in the room without a sprinkler. After the last burn, the dignitaries were allowed to walk through each of the rooms to inspect the damage and then a question and answer period was held.
There was a flashover in the room without a sprinkler and the fire had to be extinguished by firefighters.
The sprinkler in the second room was activated as the fire climbed the wall; extinguishing the fire.
The room without a sprinkler was destroyed, wheras the room with a sprinkler had repairable damage.
BirthdaysJuly1st John Bergeron 7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg16th John Morgan17th Mark Schafman18th William Null19th Gina Kaiser21st Tim Bergeron27th Doug Wolfe
August7th Tom Lake9th Jeff Morris10th John Heins11th Rico VanderHeyden14th Tim Schrader22nd Brad Knipp25th Dona Zopp26th Bob Clark27th Mike Sherbon28th Tom Person Keith Lincoln
August Breakfast List
Ryan Alms & the HRFD Auxiliary
Total Calls for 20091141
Volume 14, Issue 7The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.
Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor, Layout, Writer, Photo - Sheryl Drost
The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month.
www.harlemroscoefire.comEmail submissions to: [email protected]
Fatal Crash Severs Utility PoleStory & Photo by Sheryl Drost
Over 2600 residents and businesses were without power for several hours after a fatal crash on the frontage road of Hwy 251 just north of Hwy 173 around 1:00 am on July 7. A driver of a Volkswagon Passat lost control and crashed into, and severed, a utility pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Com Ed workers arrived very quickly on scene and took care of any electrical issues.
The utily pole was snapped in two after the car crashed into it.
The car was wrapped around what was left of the utility pole.
Com Ed crews were quickly on scene and secured the broken utility pole.
Firefighter Brandon Tietz places a wooden wedge to help secure the vehicle. Several different extrication tools would be used to extricate the driver.
Firefighter Mike huffman uses a recipricating saw on the roof of the car.
Firefighter Shannon Burbach uses a cutter as Zak Prielipp secures the ladder.
Firefighters Zak Prielipp and Shannon Burbach look on as Rob Lukowski uses a chisel on the car.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
HawksPointe Subdivision 4th of July Kiddy Parade
2nd Annual Roscoe 4th of July Parade
Stepping Stones Day Care’s summer campers tour Station One on July 9.
Deputy Chief John Presley and retired Chief Oscar Presley gave a tour of Station One to the 1st Congregational Church men’s group on July 1.
Community Photos by Sheryl Drost
Porch FirePhoto by Chief Shoevlin
A small fire on the porch of a home on Baldwin Drive was extinguished before firefighters arrived on June 10.
Lightning StrikePhoto by Sheryl Drost
Firefighters laddered the garage roof to check out where lightning had struck a home on Bowen Parkway on June 19.
Smoke InvestigationPhoto by Sheryl Drost
Firefighters Chris Kaiser and Zak Prielipp head back to the truck after finding no fire on Reimer Drive on June 21. It seems the resident had gotten a new oven and had just forgotten to take out some papers in the oven before using it.
Drill Night Training SnapshotsPhoto by Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms
June 23 - Live Burn @ Greenlee Farm
July 7 - Water Supply Training
Leaking Anhydrous AmmoniaStory & photos by Sheryl Drost
Around 5am on June 26, Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters were able to successfully stop a leaking anhydrous ammonia tank in a farmer’s field off Prairie Hill Road. HRFD officers coordinated on scene with ESDA, reps from Delong (owners of the tank), and a Winnebago County Sheriff’sOfficer. The decision was made to send a fully-geared firefighter up to the tank to see if the leaking valve could be closed.
Gas could be seen leaking from an anhydrous ammonia tank when units arrived. Prairie Hill Road was quickly shut down and a nearby resident checked; the home was determined to be at a safe distance from the leak.
A Winnebago Sheriff Officer, HRFD DC John Bergeron, Captain Mike Drost and ESDA Chief Dennis Lolli work together in establishing a plan of action after talking to the owners of the tank.
The deck gun on the attack engine was used to spray water to help stop the leaking gas from spreading.
Firefighter Mark Soppe engineers the attack engine.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
Firefighters used two hose lines to protect firefighter Mickey Rykowski as he approached the tank and sucessfully stopped the leak on the tank.
From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin
Congratulations to Bob Stark who was promoted to acting Lieutenant at Station Three. Thank you to everyone who applied for the position. We all play important roles on and within the fire department. I have the utmost confidence in Bob’s ability and know that he is capable of doing the job.
I responded to the train derailment this past month in Cherry Valley. It was an eye opening experience.
I gained invaluable knowledge from being involved on a small scale. I arrived on the scene at Cherry Vale Mall at 2145 Hours and worked with the Chief from Stillman Valley on staging incoming personnel and equipment. From that vantage point, all we saw was a continuous glow in the sky. We sent a group of units led by a Beloit Fire Chief to evacuate a subdivision and began moving some units to a closer staging area. At approximately 0230 Hours, I was requested to go to the South division of the incident to replace the Chief Officer. I stayed there and oversaw the operation in that division until I left the scene at 1330 Hours.
Our truck that responded was staged at Sandy Hollow and Mulford. Their assignment was to maintain unmanned master streams on tank cars that were not burning.
To witness the coordination of resources and to listen to the planning was phenomenal. We as Chiefs attend classes on how to operate an incident of this magnitude, but it is not the same as being involved in one. I salute the Chief of Cherry Valley and everyone involved. It truly was a coordinated team effort from the entire area. It is real assuring to see how so many different agencies can unite and mitigate an incident of this magnitude.
I recently returned from the Annual Illinois Fire Protection Districts Meeting in Peoria. Asst. Chief Ken O’Dell, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger, & Jim Burdick, our Attorney Nate Noble, and I all attended. This show is geared for chiefs, trustees and lawyers with many events, classes, and seminars for each.
Our trustees attended the 3-part Advanced Trustee Training Program. The program curriculum covers organization and administration, finances, procurement and legal liability, personnel and human resources. The rest of us took advantage of other classes and seminars offered.
These types of events help us to stay on top and bring the best back to you. The trustees and attorney took time away from their job’s and personal schedule. A big Thank You for their commitment to further their knowledge to better serve our district.
Please check out our website www.harlemroscoefire.com to keep up with the progress of the department and individuals. As always don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” Sandra Day O’Connor
•
Train DerailmentPhotos by Chief Don Shoevlin and a local photographer Buzz Carlson
Cherry Valley Fire called for mutual aid for a train derailment on Mulford Road in Rockford on June 19. A train with tanker cars derailed, exploded, and many caught fire. There was one fatality and several injuries. A local newspaper at www.rrstar.com has all the details of the accident.
The MABAS Box Alarm pulled called for Harlem-Roscoe Fire to send one engine and a Chief. Our engine company responded around 9pm and was on scene until early the next morning. Chief Don Shoevlin also responded.
Firefighters could only stand by as the tanker cars carrying Ethynol burn.
The tanker cars continued to burn for most of the night
Sadly, a passenger in the vehicle above was killed
The tanker cars burned into the next morning.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com
NorthPointe Safety Days SnapshotsPhotos by Sheryl Drost
Quint 753 and the smoke house were on scene at NorthPointe for their Safety Days.
Captain Tim Bergeron helps a child escape through the window of the smoke house.
Firefighter Steve Shoevlin poses with a future firefighter sitting in the Quint.
Regina Brett’s 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.5. Pay off your credit cards every month.6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.24. The most important sex organ is the brain.25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”27. Always choose life.28. Forgive everyone everything.29. What other people think of you is none of your business.30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.33. Believe in miracles.34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.45. The best is yet to come.46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.49. Yield.50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District
Station Gossip
Ramona almost had Engine 701 traded for a Hostess bread truck at the gas station the other day. She wasn’t able to make the trade however, she did get some ho hos. Hey, is that how we got our old bread truck?Lights out at Station Two had a new meaning on the 7th. Looks like the baby count is back on with 2. Any more?When I was watching a video I shot recently, the picture turns 90 degrees. Whoops. I use my camera so much and am always turning it sideways to get that tall picture. I guess I wasn’t thinking you can’t do the same with a video camera. :)Ask Randy about the surprise he got when he was called to his daughter’s house for supper to meet an out of town visitor!
SayingsTeach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for the rest of his life. Teach a man to phish and he’ll clean out your bank account.Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you’ll be a mile away and you’ll have their shoes.Optimists think the glass is half full. Pessimists think the glass is half empty. Realists know that someone will have to wash the glass.Everyone is gifted. Some open the package sooner.When the blind leadeth the blind, get out of the way.Whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door.
•
•••
•
•
•
•
•••
Postage
Harlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com
July 2009 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost
Anhydrous Ammonia LeakSee page 3
Train DerailsSee page 2
The Last Greenlee Farm Barn Burns Photo by Sheryl Drost
Our new Officer Hydrant locator?
Seriously!What’s Missing - Can you find all 10?
